Before spring break, the Chesterton Show Choirs traveled to Herscher Illinois to compete in the Herscher Swing & Sing Competition for their final competition of the season. The CHS Drifters and Sandpipers had some tough competition this past weekend and both groups held their own against some of the best groups around.
The preliminary performances began and the CHS Drifters were up first. The Drifters performed arguably one of the best performances they have all year of their Barbie-themed show entitled “Girls!”. Up next, with many groups in between, the CHS Sandpipers performing their Spelling Bee show entitled “Sandpiper County Spelling Bee”.
Preliminary awards began and the Drifters received First Runner Up. Unfortunately, for the first time this season, they did not make it to the final round. The Sandpipers also received First Runner-Up in the preliminary round. The Show Choir’s backup band, The Business, received the Best Band caption award. Also, senior Luke Houseman won Best Male Solo Competition Soloist, making him undefeated in the male solo category this competition season. The Sandpipers earned a spot in the final round and got the chance to compete with their show for the final time this competition season. The Sandpipers fought hard and performed their show like never before and during final awards, walked away with First Runner Up.
“I think my last comp season as a senior went really well. Being able to enjoy it one last time with everyone. I think everybody meshed really well with each other and it was a great experience overall. Getting to enjoy a successful season also helped us mesh together as a family,” said four-year Senior and Sandpiper Dance Captain Hunter Liss. “Herscher was definitely a battle, but we still stayed together as a team and still had an enjoyable last competition though we did not get the outcome we wanted,” said Liss.
The Chesterton Show Choirs have had a very successful 2023-24 competition season. First, they traveled to Anderson, IN to compete in the Anderson A-Town Showdown. Both the Drifters and Sandpipers were named the Grand Champions of the Single-Clef and Mixed Divisions respectively while both groups also received Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Band caption awards. Next in the season, they traveled to Fort Atkinson, WI to compete in the Fort Atkinson Showcase. Once again, both the Drifters and Sandpipers were named the Grand Champions of their respective divisions. The Drifters captured the Best Vocals as well as the Best Choreography caption awards. The Sandpipers captured the Best Choreography caption. For their third competition of the season, they traveled to Arlington Heights, IL to compete in the John Hersey Chicagoland Showcase. The Drifters received Grand Champion in their division during prelims and they were the only unisex group to make it to finals where they received Third Runner Up. The Sandpipers received First Runner Up of the day! For their away trip of the year, they traveled all the way to Richmond, VA to compete in the Cosby Titan Tournament of Choirs. The Drifters received First Runner Up in their division during the preliminary round. They made it to finals and received Second Runner Up in the Single-Clef finals. The Sandpipers received First Runner Up in both the preliminary and final rounds while also receiving the Best Band and Best Costumes caption awards.
Congratulations on a successful season this year! Be sure to take advantage of the last opportunity to see these amazing shows on May 17 at Spring Revue!
